Deer, Howard M.

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DigitalCommons@USU

PesticidesFact SheetPROTECTIVE CLOTHINGFOR PESTICIDESHoward M. Deer, Extension Pesticide Specialist Utah State University, Logan UT 84322-4620November 1999 AG/Pesticides/09Protective clothing used when mixing, loading, or applying pesticides provides a barrierbetween the pesticide and the human body. Respirators and gas masks protect against oral andrespiratory exposure by covering the nose and mouth and by filtering inhaled air. Gloves, boots,hats and body coverings protect against dermal exposure. Goggles and face shields protect theeyes.Respirators can be half face (cover nose and mouth) or full face (cover nose, mouth andeyes). Gas masks are full face. They generally have replaceable filter cartridges and pesticideusers need cartridges specifically made for pesticides. Cloth masks or dust masks are notrecommended as they provide no protection against vapors. Full face provides both respiratoryand eye protection and is needed when irritating or highly toxic fumes and/or vapors are aconcern.Body coverings can be made of cotton, blended fabric, vinyl, neoprene, rubber, orlightweight synthetic garments. Almost any body covering provides some protection.Conventional work clothes usually of cotton or blended fabric provide protection when mixing,loading or applying dry or dilute field concentrations of pesticides.  They are not recommendedduring mixing and loading of liquid concentrates or liquid spray applications where contact islikely to occur. Vinyl, neoprene or rubber garments provide adequate protection if kept free ofchemical contamination, but under hot and/or humid conditions they can be very uncomfortableand can lead to heat exhaustion or hyperthermia. The lightweight synthetic garments can provideadequate protection if used in conjunction with a liquid proof apron during mixing and loading.These garments can have added coatings for additional protection when spraying more toxicpesticides. Important points to keep in mind are that applicators often begin spray operationswearing minimal protective clothing and then add more at a later point thus covering thecontaminated skin or garments; this may increase dermal absorption of the pesticide that is underthe added protective clothing. Secondly, hot weather may increase the rate of dermal absorptionwhen spray applicators tend to use less protective clothing.Foot protection is always important when working with pesticides, especially whenmixing and loading liquid concentrates and when walking through sprayed areas. Boots andshoes made of leather or canvas are not recommended when working with liquid pesticides asthey absorb the liquids and hold them against the foot. They are difficult to decontaminate andthe continual wetting and drying causes cracking which makes pesticide penetration to the footeven easier. Rubber boots are best for working with organophosphate insecticides while allwaterproof boots are generally adequate for other pesticides. Boots should be worn with the pantlegs on the outside to prevent pesticides from entering the top of the boot. Boots should beunlined for easy cleaning.Gloves are helpful during all pesticide operations, but especially during mixing andloading of liquid concentrates. Canvas, cloth, or leather gloves should not be used for liquidoperations for the same reasons as with canvas or leather boots. Lightweight plastic and rubbergloves provide some protection, but heavyweight waterproof gloves are recommended. Glovesshould be unlined and have a cuff or anti-drip line so liquids do not run down the arm. Rubbergloves are recommended for organophosphate insecticides. Rubber or plastic gloves are suitablefor most other pesticides. Head protection should always be worn when working with pesticides especially duringliquid spray operations. Billed caps provide some protection but not to the lower head, neck andear areas. Additionally, they absorb pesticides and are difficult to decontaminate. Plastic hardhats with wide brims and nonabsorbing liners are better. However, because of air circulationspace over the head, they are not adequate protection when working with highly toxic mists anddusts. Sou'wester style hats (those with a wide slanting brim longer in back than in front) aremost often recommended. Generally they have brims that protect the front, side and back of thehead and neck. A front brim is very beneficial protection against downward drift to the face.Waterproof hoods provide little face protection unless they have front brims.Eye protection is important during mixing and loading operations with all pesticidesespecially liquids or where irritating fumes or vapors may be present. Full face respirators arerecommended for eye protection against highly toxic pesticides. Face shields provide protectionagainst pesticide splash but not dusts, mists, fumes or vapors. Cup goggles will seal out splashes,mists, dusts, fumes, and vapors.  Single lens goggles with hooded or baffled ports protect againstsplashes, mists, and dusts but not fumes or vapors.All protective clothing must be kept clean and be decontaminated after use. Failure to dothis can make exposure more severe than if no protective clothing were used. Contaminatedprotective clothing holds the pesticide against the skin frequently under hot, moist conditionswhich can lead to increased rates of absorption. Wash protective clothing in detergent and waterand air dry preferably exposed to sunlight. Check the condition of protective clothingperiodically and replace torn or perforated items. Change respirator cartridges as recommendedby the manufacturer or whenever chemical odors are detected during use or when breathingbecomes difficult because of filter plugging. Always have spare cartridges available. Wash theface piece, with the filters removed, in detergent and water, rinse thoroughly, and dry in a wellventilated area. Do not use alcohol or solvents to clean the face piece. The following companies stock or can order types of protective clothing: Industrial Supply Co. Inc.1635 South 300 WestSalt Lake City, UT 84115484-8644, 1-800-288-3838Mine Safety Appliances Co.P. O. Box 426Pittsburg, PA 152301-800-672-2222Safety Master6952 Hightech DriveMidvale, UT 84047255-5321, 1-800-457-6633Bonneville Industrial Supply45 South 1500 WestOrem, UT  84058225-7770, 1-800-892-7534Allwest Sales and Service1365 S. Gladiola St. Ste. 1Salt Lake City, UT 84104886-9100, 1-800-326-5421Safety West, Inc.2500 S. Decker LakeBlvd.#10W. Valley City, UT 84119972-5800, 1-800-533-8565Utah State University Extension and its employees are not responsible for the use, misuse or damagecaused by application or misapplication of the products or information in this publication, and make noendorsement explicitly or implicitly of this publication or information listed herein.Utah State University Extension is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer andeducational organization. We offer our programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex,religion, age or disability.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperationwith the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Robert L. Gilliland, Vice-President and Director, Cooperative ExtensionService, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. (EP/DF/02-2000)For further information, you may order a Guidance Manual from the EPA:Guidance Manual for Selecting Protective Clothing for Agricultural Pesticides OperationsEPA Publication Number: 736-B-94-001 September 1993 [300 pages]Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (7509C)Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory, Office of Research and DevelopmentU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyCincinnati, OH 45268 PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTAll pesticides have both benefits and risks. Benefits can be maximized and risksminimized by reading and following the labeling. Pay close attention to the directions for useand the precautionary statements. The information on pesticide labels contains both instructionsand limitations. Pesticide labels are legal documents and it is a violation of both federal and statelaws to use a pesticide inconsistent with its labeling. The pesticide applicator is legallyresponsible for proper use. Always read and follow the label.FORMULATIONSGranulesGenerally low exposure.No wetting spray.Little dust.Wettable PowdersAll routes of exposure canbe high during mixing dueto high percentage ofactive ingredient.DustsExposure can be highthrough inhalation anddermal contact.FlowablesDermal exposure tomixer/loader andapplicator may be high.EmulsifiableConcentratesExposure dermally maybe high duringmixing/loading/application. Adsorption is enhanced bysolvents which easilypenetrate the skin.Any formulation appliedas a spray may cause a dermal exposure.HAZARDS TO HUMANSPrecautionary StatementsLook on the pesticide label under the boldfaceheading “Hazards to Humans.” Thestatements in this section indicate which partor parts of the body should be protected.“May be fatalif absorbedthrough skin.Do not get ineyes, on skin,or onclothing.”“May be fatalif inhaled. Do not breathe dust, vapor, or spray mist.”“Corrosive: causes irreversible eye damage.”“Causes skinirritation.”or“Causes burns. Donot get on skin or onclothing.”DILUTE PESTICIDESYou need to decide! Read the label. The formulation, signal word, precautionarystatements, personal protective equipment statements, the application method, and the projectedlength of exposure indicate the personal protective equipment you need.Minimum Exposure(Such as granular applications and manyother routine pesticideactivities.)Protective suit (suchas fabric coveralls)worn over normalwork clothes.Chemical-resistantgloves such as rubber,vinyl, or plastic.(Never use fabric,leather, or papercloves.)Socks and shoes orboots.Maximum Exposure(Such as direct contact withdrenching spray, mist bloweror knapsack applications, orhandling very highly toxicpesticides.Chemical-resistant hood orhat.Goggles or face shield.Respirator (If the label requires it or ifdusts, mists, fogs, or vaporswill be generated.)Chemical-resistant protectivesuit worn over normal workclothes(A chemical-resistantprotective suit may cause heatstress under some conditions.)Chemical-resistant glovessuch as rubber, vinyl, orplastic.(Never use fabric, leather, orpaper gloves.)Chemical resistant boots orfootwear.(Never wear leather or canvasfootwear.)HANDLING CONCENTRATESThis is the MINIMUM protective clothingand equipment you should wear whilemixing and loadingpesticides which aremoderately to highlytoxic.Protective suit (such asfabric coveralls) wornover normal workclothes.Chemical-resistantapron.Chemical-resistantgloves such as rubber,vinyl, or plastic.(Never use fabric, leather,or paper gloves.)Chemical-resistant bootsor footwear.(Never wear leather orcanvas footwear.)Face shield or goggles.Respirator (If the labelrequires it.)WASHUP DURING USEWash hands and fact before eating, drinking, toileting, or using tobacco.Avoid touching fact or other bare skin with contaminated gloves or clothing.WASHUP AFTER USEImmediately remove clothing and take a shower in case of excessive contamination.Shower at the end of the day before changing into clean clothes.Wash body and hair thoroughly with soap and water.TOXICITYSignal WordsDANGER HighlyToxicWARNING ModeratelyToxicCAUTION LowToxicityIf the pesticide is highly toxicorally, dermally, or throughinhalation, the signal word“DANGER” in large boldfaceletters will be on the front of thepesticide label. If the pesticide ismoderately toxic, orally,dermally, or through inhalation,the signal word “WARNING”will be used. The labels of slightlytoxic pesticides will bear thesignal word “CAUTION.”

Protective Clothing for Pesticides

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Protective Clothing for Pesticides

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